Principal Licensure

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of K-12 principals is expected to grow at a slower rate than most professions. Despite this limited job growth, it is estimated that in the next decade 40 percent of today's principals will retire (National Association of Secondary School Principals, n.d.). This shortage has created a two prong dilemma. The first is the perception that the shortages are driven by "demands for a new and different kind of school principal" (Roza, Celio, Harvey, & Wishon, 2003). The expectations of school leaders have taken a dramatic shift in recent years: Building principals are now expected to be instructional experts, who can improve student outcomes and turn failing schools around in short periods of time (Maxwell, 2014; Council of Chief State School Officers, 2015).

Obtaining the Graduate Certificate for Principal Licensure will allow individuals that have more experience and expertise expedite the process to become a licensed principal, thus being able to take on a leadership position.

For our graduate programs, we welcome applications from students who hold a bachelor's degree (or higher) from a college or university accredited by a regional or general accrediting agency, and have at least a B average in undergraduate course work (or otherwise give evidence of promise that is judged satisfactory by the admitting program).

The University of Cincinnati offers nearly 400 graduate programs, from master's and doctoral degrees to graduate certificates and artist diplomas. Whether online or on-campus, as a graduate student at UC, you will join a diverse community of students enrolled at one of the nation's top public universities in an incredibly vibrant city.

• Browse all available graduate degree programs and certificates
• Request information on your program of interest
• Find the right program/degree contact for program- or department-specific questions
• View tuition & fees by program and learn about funding opportunities
• Get your questions answered with Frequently Asked Questions: Admissions